Dragonflies and Damselflies of the World: A Guide to Their Diversity

by Klaas-Douwe B. Dijkstra

Overview

A richly illustrated guide to the incredible diversity of dragonflies and damselflies around the world

Airily dancing over rivers and ponds, the thousands of colorful dragonfly and damselfly species that cohabit our planet may seem of little importance. Few life-forms, however, convey the condition of the most limiting resource on land and life’s most bountiful environment as well as they can: while the adults are exceptional aerial hunters, their nymphs are all confined to freshwater. Dragonflies and Damselflies of the World showcases their beauty and diversity while shedding light on how they evolved into the vital symbols of planetary health we celebrate today.

• Features stunning color photos of hundreds of species
• Characterizes all families and major subgroups
• Explores how their unique features and behavior led to today’s variety
• Shows how we contribute to their popularization and protection

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780691255040
Publisher:	Princeton University Press
Publication date:	08/05/2025
Series:	A Guide to Every Family
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	256
File size:	35 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Klaas-Douwe B. Dijkstra is one of the world’s leading experts on dragonflies and damselflies and the author of guides for Europe, Africa, and Madagascar. As an independent researcher, his focus is on the group’s global classification and African species diversity. He is an associate of Naturalis Biodiversity Center in the Netherlands and a member of the Freshwater Conservation Committee of the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Editorial Reviews

"This volume is superbly illustrated. There are coloured photographs on every page, displaying dragonflies and damselflies in all their scintillating beauty."—-David M. Gascoigne, Travels With Birds

"A must buy."—-Bo Beolens, Fatbirder

"This magnificent volume is far more than just a field guide; it is a monumental work of scholarship and a testament to the author’s deep passion and expertise. Dijkstra, a world-renowned odonatologist, has meticulously compiled an astonishing wealth of information, making this book an essential resource for anyone with an interest in these fascinating insects. The sheer scope of the project is breathtaking, covering every family and a vast number of genera from all corners of the globe."—-David Albaugh, Dave the Bug Guy

"A well illustrated overview of the World's dragonflies and damselflies."—-Ian Paulsen, The Birdbooker Report

From the Publisher